Making Time to Reflect This Mission Week

This year’s Mission Week, held from Feb. 13-22, 2026, is the 11th annual celebration of the core tenets of Saint Joseph’s University’s Jesuit identity. 

“Our Jesuit values are a unique part of a St. Joe’s education — we’re one of only 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the country,” says Eric A. Thompson, the assistant director of programs and operations for the Office of Mission. “Engaging with our mission this week and beyond really helps to form the whole person.” 

Events across the University’s three locations invite community members and alumni to learn about SJU’s mission, engage in self-reflection and give back to the community. The 40+ events are listed on the website and can be filtered by affiliation, location or topic. 

“We want everyone to use this week as a time to really think about what the University mission means to them in the context of their own work and learning,” Thompson says. “We have a number of fun and enjoyable ways for everyone to do that.” 

Students can test their knowledge at MissionIQ: Trivia Night, held in Doyle North on Feb 17, for a chance to win prizes and enjoy free Insomnia Cookies. For employees, the University will host a community lunch where University President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, and Daniel R.J. Joyce, S.J., BA ’88, vice president of mission and ministry, will discuss the University’s core mission. 

“Ignatian spirituality invites us to do the inner work of reflection and discernment so that we can live more fully in relationship with others and the world around us,” says Thompson.

For those seeking a solemn reflection space, the Chapel of St. Joseph will be open all week with calm lighting, soothing music and reflection materials (available online for those unable to attend in person). 

Service opportunities are also happening throughout the week. A community donation drive benefiting a number of organizations, as well as Saint Joseph’s students, will be held in University City, Hawk Hill and Lancaster. 

For employees and alumni in the Philadelphia area, the University is hosting a day of service at Cradles to Crayons. And students are invited to stop by to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (Monday, Mandeville Hall) or put together care kits for Philadelphians experiencing homelessness (Tuesday, Campion Hall); or volunteer at a weekly food drive (Wednesday, Gompers Elementary School). 

Other week-long activities include the return of a student favorite from previous years, The Mission Portal, which connects all three locations with a webcam portal. 

“We’re in three different locations, but we’re all united in our shared mission,” Thompson explains. “This week is a chance to not only learn about your school, but also to discern how to live out of our shared mission, and to use your gifts and knowledge to serve something greater than yourself,” Thompson says.